"They Shoot Horses, Don't They?" is a novel by Horace McCoy set during the Great Depression. It follows a group of desperate individuals participating in a grueling dance marathon in Los Angeles, where the competition is both physically and emotionally exhausting. The story explores themes of survival, ambition, and the human condition in a harsh economic landscape. The narrative centers on Gloria Beatty, a disillusioned woman who seeks to escape her bleak reality through the marathon. As the competition intensifies, the characters reveal their vulnerabilities and motivations, ultimately questioning the value of hope in a world filled with despair.